Shannon McElhone, LMHC

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.

Lisa Carroll is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 24 years of experience treating everything from adjustment disorders to Depressive Disorders, Anxiety disorders, and trauma, is eager to help others suffering from mental health issues or just adjusting to new circumstances. She has an eclectic approach to care and treatment based on strengths and person-centered care utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused approaches, Rogerian theory, mindfulness, dialectal behavior therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic theory, cognitive processing therapy and many others. She is more eclectic in her approach because people are different and need a style that fits their individual needs. She is always seeking feedback from her clients to improve clinical outcomes. She does what is necessary and required to make this the best treatment anyone can get. She wants everyone she treats to reach their full potential. Lisa was trained as an undergraduate in psychology at the University of Alabama, graduating in 1991. She received her MSW in 1997 from the University of Alabama. She became licensed clinically in 2000. She has extensive experience and training in a variety of modalities and therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Prit Patel is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. He obtained his medical degree from the University of South Florida and subsequently completed his residency training at the University of Texas at Austin and Northwell Health's Zucker Hillside Hospital. During his training, Dr. Patel also served as chief resident of Zucker's Hillside Hospital's outpatient psychiatric department. Following his training, Dr. Patel has previously worked at New York Presbyterian's Gracie Square Hospital, where he served as an inpatient psychiatrist treating a variety of mental health conditions, utilizing a combination of medication management and therapeutic techniques in helping those experiencing distress due to their conditions. Throughout his training and career thus far, Dr. Patel has received several awards for his clinical care and contribution to medical and psychiatric education, such as Zucker Hillside's Psychiatric Educator award. Dr. Patel has also contributed to medical research in the domains of psychiatry and LGBTQ+ healthcare .Dr. Patel has an interest in not only treating disorders but also helping patients improve their overall well-being. He treats a variety of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma-related disorders, through the use of medication and therapy. He has particular experience and interest in treating LGBTQ+ patients as well as young professionals and young adults.

Ethan Bardell holds the position of Psychotherapist at Talkiatry. He completed both his undergraduate and graduate training at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Ethan obtained his BS in Rehabilitative Sciences and Human Services with a concentration in developmental disabilities. Ethan then completed his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ethan has a strong background in community mental health work, where he has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups using a client-centered approach that is both gentle and supportive. In sessions, Ethan works to create a welcoming space where individuals can both process and make sense of their unique experiences, while using a combination of modalities to best fit the needs of each individual. Ethan has a true passion and interest in treating a wide array of psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, dual disorder, and substance use issues, and various personality disorders.‍

Dr. Sahadevan took an adventurous path to Talkiatry. After perhaps thinking a little too hard about Intro to Philosophy in college - "the unexamined life is not worth living” - he first used his chemistry degree to work in pharmaceutical research. He changed course, working in computer network engineering, before deciding to find a more meaningful path. He worked as an EMT, then earned a Master's in Physiology before finally landing in medical school at Ohio State. Finding a surprising interest in psychiatry, he stayed at Ohio State for residency, and then a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. He is board-certified in both Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He previously worked as a forensic psychiatrist and evaluator at Ohio's maximum-security state psychiatric facility, as an attending psychiatrist running an inpatient unit for violent or dangerous patients, performing court-ordered evaluations, writing reports, and testifying when necessary. Dr. Sahadevan has also worked as a consultation-liaison psychiatrist, performing psychiatric consults at several general hospitals in Central Ohio's largest hospital system. He found great enjoyment in teaching successive generations of residents and medical students, serving as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio State, Ohio University, Wright State, and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. He is excited for the next chapter of his journey, exploring another area of psychiatry at Talkiatry!

Jessica Fairchilds is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 8 years of experience in many psychiatric settings and populations. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and is passionate about providing high quality, comprehensive mental health services. Jessica prides herself in her patient-centered approach by fostering strong provider-patient relationships to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughters, traveling the globe, or getting lost in a historical fiction novel.

Jessica is highly focused on building a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients while making them feel heard and validated. She strives to provide the highest level of care while exploring different treatment options to find what works best for each individual.

Jessica will focus on learning about the client as an individual and learning the concerns of the client while working to develop an individualized treatment plan. She uses her extensive knowledge of medications and therapy techniques to guide treatment options for the best outcomes.